Haydale has announced that Bolflex has purchased 80 kg of its functionalized nano-enhanced rubber masterbatch for use in its premium soles range for shoe production. This follows Haydale recently increasing the elastomer capability of its functionalized nano-enhanced rubber masterbatch.
Haydale's products are incorporated into the styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) compound offering increased tear strength, abrasion resistance, flex resistance, slip resistance and coefficient of friction - all essential properties for footwear.
The initial order of 80 kg enabled Bolflex to prepare 3,000 pairs of functionalized nano-enhanced rubber soles and Bolflex are currently evaluating the performance of their nano-enhanced shoe sole product against their competitor's products. Initial results are reportedly demonstrating improvements against its footwear specific test standards. The Group expects to receive follow up orders during 2021.
Pedro Saraiva, Head of Sales at Bolflex, said: "We have evaluated a number of nanomaterial products prior to purchasing Haydale's product and noted a dramatic step-change improvement as a direct result of the proprietary functionalization process. This has shown improvements in the handling, dispersion and overall performance of the nanomaterials when mixed into rubber compounds."
Keith Broadbent, Haydale CEO, said: "We are really pleased to be working with Bolflex on this product and look forward to seeing the Haydale logo on the soles of shoes produced."
Bolflex is specializing in the production and supply of soles for the European footwear industry. It is now one of the largest manufacturers of the Iberian Peninsula and Europe with an existing capacity to manufacture around 20,000 pairs a day.